Christmas Spirit

It is mid-December and the holidays draw near
I found it imperative that I spread good cheer.

You’ll find here below a pattern for you.
Its turns are complex, I admit that is true.

But with the skills you have learned here so far,
You will do just fine and earn a gold star.

I’ve changed just a few things to make it more merry.
Now I’m going to get me a big class of sherry.

(OK, I don’t actually drink sherry–maybe a bottle of hard cider instead.)

I was asked this morning by a viewer about the red, yellow and black piece in the opening sequence of the video, and where that pattern could be found. The answer is that the original is on Pinterest, but it’s written in a rather hard-to-read format, so I set out to “translate” it into the Tabletweaving Draft Designer (TDD) (jamesba.github.io/tabletweave) charting system.

However, the original pattern has a little hidden swastika in the middle of it, which always gave me a level of consternation. For those who are outside of North America, the swastika–although used extensively in the Medieval period–is still very much a symbol used in hate crimes and the sight of it causes distress to some people in minority communities. It wasn’t really IN YOUR FACE, but still…it was there, so I hesitated in including it in some displays or teaching the pattern. Today, I set about altering the middle of the design to remove the symbol while maintaining the amazing movement and color that so many people remark on with this piece.

I hope you enjoy weaving it!

With much love and appreciation, and wishing you all a very happy holiday season and a fantastic, healthy and happy new year!

Elewys

12 thoughts on “Christmas Spirit”

  1. Thank you for making this pattern. Specifically for removing the swastika. I understand that the symbol is an ancient one, and its origins are interesting to learn about, but (much like GOT) the ending to the story really is a train wreck and spoils it. If it isn’t carved into the side of an ancient temple(or old Japanese maps), it’s a hate symbol. The hurtful history is too new and too un-addressed to pretend the swastika can be used without that lingering context.

    1. I agree. While some places around the world are trying to reintroduce it, I think it’s too soon. We’re not ready. It may be generations before we are. That’s OK…there are lots of other patterns out there to weave. Happy holidays! Elewys

  2. Thank you again for taking the time to do this. I am looking forward to trying it when I get to this level. Once I get all of my Christmas gifts finished and wrapped this week, I am free to play with my weaving cards that my hubby just cut out for me 🙂

  3. Thank you for getting me interested in tablet weaving. I had one of your videos pop up and I thought that looks interesting and now I have my own loom for Christmas and I’m looking forward to having a go. I have tried back straps but not very easy.

  4. Thank you for the pattern. Merry Christ-mass! Thank you for your consideration about that symbol, too. In my Native American culture it is a symbol for the four winds, but it causes me to see otherwise so I’ve never incorporated in any regalia or beadwork I’ve done. So, thank you.

  5. Thank you for all the great ideas and information I plan to build a loom in the new year. Merry Christmas happy yuletide

  7. I can’t wait to get started! I made my cards out of a priority mailing box! Lol. My son is going to 3D print some for me after Christmas. Your videos are really informative. Thank you!

  8. Wonderful videos. I am trying to find out more about the medieval kingdoms and what they do. Hope you had a wonderful Christmas.

  9. Remind us again too new is the grey area turn cards forward or back to us? Thanks for pattern

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